Born a few years after the end of the Second World War in Farnham, Ed (Peter) Johnson has seen and lived through the changes, which he, in part, gives as one of the reasons he started writing
In the 1950s you were expected to be able to turn your hand to anything, which, says Ed Johnson, has contributed to his writing.
His working career has been in electronics and technology; mending a computer in 1970 was a very different experience from working with them today, he quips.
“I had the first idea when in my 30s, but I have always taken on challenges, like starting an IT business in 1981, building it up during my 40s and selling it in 1997,” he begins.
“Next was building a car, not from a kit, which I completed in my early 50s and restoring a bungalow from the ground up in my 60s. Now in my early 70s I am using the ideas that have been developing over the last 40 years and putting them into a much less strenuous use of time, I love the challenge and becoming an author is my current one.”
Now living in Liphook he has penned his first novel in which we are invited to delve into the shadowy world of crime with the revealing exploration of the criminal underworld. Beyond the notorious crime lords and the violent realm of drug trafficking, lies a complex network of theft, fraud, and borderline legal activities. Who are the masterminds behind these operations? How do they seamlessly orchestrate crimes while remaining undetected?
In everyday life, we find plumbers, electricians, and plasterers through a simple internet search or recommendations. But in the criminal fraternity, things operate differently. Fences, who trade in stolen goods, rely on a clandestine network: one group supplies the contraband, another discreetly purchases it, no questions asked.
Imagine if this underworld also had its own ‘sub-contractors’ – skilled individuals specialising in specific illegal activities, and facilitators who connect various players in this covert market. This book takes you deep into this hidden society, shedding light on how organized crime functions with the same efficiency and connectivity as legitimate businesses.
If you’ve ever been curious about the intricacies of the criminal world and its unseen yet organized culture, this is your guide to understanding how these hidden networks operate, thrive, and evade detection. But remember it is only fiction – or is it?
Why Am I Here? Jane’s Story by Ed Johnson is published by Austin Macaulay Publishers ISBN 9781035810000 is available from Amazon and all good bookshops.
Enjoy The Comedy Of Errors thanks to the Chiltern Shakespeare Company this month at Hall Barn in Beaconsfield
Chiltern Shakespeare Company was founded in 1986 by Michael and Aviva Wiseman, residents of Beaconsfield who were prominently involved in local theatrical activities.
Their mission, to the this day, is to deliver the Bard’s plays featuring some of the finest amateur local actors, and to encourage children to participate in plays, bringing the sometimes dry study of the text at school to life.
From its early productions in a Beaconsfield school hall the company graduated in 1989 to the lovely open air setting of Hall Barn, a stately home on the outskirts of Beaconsfield, by kind permission of the Burnham family.
The company celebrated their 20th summer season at Hall Barn in 2008 with their third production or A Midsummer’s Night Dream, followed in 2009 by Romeo & Juliet. In total CSC has now staged 28 productions, including the majority in the open air at Hall Barn.
A further key objective of the company was – and remains – the raising of funds for selected charities from any surplus funds generated by their productions. This is made by the efforts of the company’s members who give so much of their free time (no one is paid at all) and the generosity of Hall Barn’s owners who continue to host the events on such favourable terms. A performance at Hall Barn is made complete by booking a delicious picnic (with or without prosecco) to enjoy before the play in the glorious grounds.
The Comedy of Errors tells the story of two sets of identical twins separated at birth. Antipholus and Dromio (both from Syracuse), arrive in Ephesus, unknowingly the home of their identical twin brothers (also named Antipholus and Dromio). Hilarity ensues as mistaken identities lead to confusion, accusations, and romantic entanglements. Through a series of misunderstandings, the twins and their servants create chaos until a final reunion brings everything to a happy end.
There will be 10 performances on the evenings of Wednesday 5th, Thursday 6th, Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June plus a matinee on Saturday 8th, the Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th, Friday 14th, Saturday 15th and again a matinee on Saturday 15th. Evening performances start at 7.45pm with the matinees at 1.45pm.
There are a range of tickets from £15-£25 depending on your chosen performance and age. Concessions are available for over-65s and students in full-time education on Wednesday performances and on both matinees.
All proceeds will go to The Ducklings Trust, a charity set up to raise money for equipment and help improve the environment in the maternity units at Stoke Mandeville and Wycombe. This fundraising continues to help ensure the units are the best birth environment they can be for families and staff.
As well as organising fundraising events, contributions from the public are very welcome. To find out about The Ducklings Trust please visit The Ducklings Trust
After the success of last year’s fundraising event, Fiona Cox and friends are again taking you on a musical journey
Expect a spectacular evening of musical entertainment at The Croft Hall in Hungerford on Saturday, 29th June.
Get ready to be transported into the magical world of musicals as talented performers take the stage to bring your favourite songs to life.
Following last year’s sell-out smash-hit show, singers and musicians from MTW Gold and friends will delight with songs from the West End and Broadway.
From show-stopping numbers to heartwarming ballads, this event promises to be a night to remember. So grab your friends, family, and musical-loving buddies and come along for a night filled with laughter, joy, and toe-tapping tunes.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the magic of musical theatre up close and personal! There’s also a raffle to buy tickets for with some great prizes up for grabs.
Bring a picnic and enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment from 7.30pm. Doors open 7.15pm.
Discover the diversity and creativity of Surrey artists as they open their doors for you to explore, meet and enjoy at Surrey Artists Open Studios, June 1st to 23rd
This year’s Surrey Artists Open Studios features more than 250 artists taking part in 165 studios across Surrey with a fantastic array of artworks and disciplines on show to browse and buy.
As well as a chance to meet and talk to artists in their place of work, the summer open studios event offers visitors the opportunity to view demonstrations, buy artwork, enter a free prize and even get involved in creative workshops.
The SAOS launch weekend takes place on Saturday 1st and Sunday, 2nd June with artists offering an array of activities exclusively for first weekend visitors to this popular county-wide event, complete with taster workshops featuring different materials across the arts and crafts.
SAOS has been running for 24 years representing the best in the county’s creativity and shining a light on makers, artists and creatives producing everything from ceramics and jewellery to paintings and sculpture.
SAOS Manager Caitlin Heffernan says: “SAOS is a wonderful opportunity to discover the county’s creativity on your doorstep. Not only will you uncover a vast range of artworks made by a truly impressive array of hundreds of individual artists, you will also find some unique pieces to take home with you.
“This year there is an impressive range of workshops to learn new techniques delivered by highly experienced artists. Whatever your taste or budget, SAOS artists offer unique artworks across virtually every discipline from ceramics and sculpture to paintings and jewellery.”
Among artists taking part are Joanna Lloyd Glass in Woking whose work includes sculptures cast from everyday objects such as her mum’s sewing utensils and her dad’s DIY tools. Elaine Winter is opening her studio in Woking for the first time in five years, where you’ll find the walls covered in paintings. Art on A Pot is on show in Woking, with an array of ceramics, jewellery and wall pieces while Louise Rowe whose work can also be seen in Woking, often uses gold leaf as a background to pen and ink drawings of wildlife.
In Englefield Green, printmaker and painter Stefanie Smith employs a variety of methods of produce art work inspired by local woodlands, wildlife and seasonal treasures.
Maria Billington takes much of the inspiration for her metal work from her garden to create her work in steel, copper and aluminium at her studio in Frimley Green. There’s a unique behind the scenes opportunity to ask and learn about the clay to bronze portrait commission process of Marian Rowling in Farnborough where you can ‘get the sculptor’s insight’.
Visit and marvel at the work of landscape painter Stephen Kinder in Godalming. Georgie Gardiner makes vessels and bowls on her potters wheel in Godalming using the technique of paper resist. In Cranleigh you’ll find Monique Birley’s contemporary landscapes, figurative work and still lives, while in Petworth, Sue Ransley takes a lighter look at life through her portraits. Retirements led Michael Colbourne to take a fine art degree and has resulted in the creation of more than 250 pieces of art at his home studio in Fernhurst. Impressionist oil paintings of iconic London, coastal scenes, landscapes, portraits, animals and still life are conjured up by Wendy Richards in Liphook. Jessica Stroud specialises in stained glass in Haslemere where you can see her current commission and small panels for sale.
There are a whole array of creative folk in the Farnham and Alton areas. In Sue Cook’s garden in Dippenhall, visitors will see many paintings on a variety of subjects: landscapes, seascapes, boats, architecture, house portraits, still life and patina. If photography is your thing then you need to visit Kiln Photo in Badshot Lea where you’ll find members’ work in various forms.
The Mill at Elstead is home to Becca Clegg, Beth Kirby, David Dragon and Robyn Horsburgh who collectively will be showing artwork and sculpture alongside smaller more affordable pieces in a rustic setting with food and refreshments on the premises.
In Farnham you can enjoy the work of painter Jackie Rennie, Ruta Brown makes jewellery from precious metals and stones rich in contrast and texture and for something different, take a look at the exquisite hand woven silk scarves made by Carolyn Wallis.
Emma Dunbar is inspired by her daily dog walks and even by supermarket trips to create her colourful paintings in Bordon. Take a trip to Upper Farringdon to view the local landscapes created by artist Fiona Pearce, Andrea Merron has a unique take on the sky in her work and at Atherton Green Art Gallery you’ll find work by more than 25 artists and sculptures in the former Victorian rectory. Seascapes and ceramics can be viewed courtesy of Susannah Acland and Clare Mattey in the Hay Barn Studio.
View the work of a cluster of artists in Guildford including self-taught figurative painter Sinclair Webster, landscapes and still lifes are created by Julie Verity in her Shed aka studio, photography and ceramics are displayed in the peaceful setting of Cathy Pyle’s garden studio and greenhouse alongside Bonnie Rasmusseun’s ceramics. Rosalinda Kightley is inspired by the natural world in her vibrant and colourful floral paintings and for something different how about the comic art / colouring projects of John Charles @ Art & Grind. See abstract landscapes as well as musical figurative work in a variety of media from Andrew Curtis while the love of colour comes through in Sarah Cox’s joyful paintings of the Surrey Hills and Cornish coastline. Pop in to see Gina making lampwork beads in her garden studio. You will also be able to peruse a range of jewellery, ornaments and pictures created using individually made beads.
Artventure Trust is a charity providing visual art sessions for adults with learning disabilities and additional needs through drawing and painting to printmaking, textile, photography, pottery and much more in their purpose-built studio in the grounds of St Peter’s School in Merrow.
Brochures are available from libraries, key galleries and at artists’ studios. Full details, studio addresses and booking for workshops can be found at Open Studios (surreyopenstudios.org.uk)
Liz Nicholls chats to author, comedian & mental health campaigner Ruby Wax whose I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was UK tour has been extended by popular demand
Q. Hello Ruby. I loved your book, I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was – it helped me a lot. Do you think it’s your best? “Oh thank you, that means a lot. Well, I’m not sure but being on tour with this book has been the most fun, so that’s a clue. And I love it when people talk to me afterwards to say they feel less alone. So there is a reward for me ending up in a mental institution, after all.”
Q. One thing I loved was that you discovered your love for your husband Ed, your ‘rock’…? “Yes, we never say stuff like that. Eddie’s sitting in front of me now, and he’s thrilled. No, we’re not a lovey-dovey couple at all, that’s why it’s lasted so long. That and distance.”
Q. Did you enjoy studying for your master’s [in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy] at Oxford Uni? “Oh yeah! My favourite expression now is ‘I went to Oxford’. I was in Summertown so it wasn’t quite the cloistered, beautiful Oxford that everybody pictures but I was so entranced by the subject, the mind, the neuroscience of it. I said to them: if you don’t let me in I’m going to study it anyway.”
Q. How important is ritual in your life? “Really important. I don’t have enough because I don’t have religion – I wish I did. I have to do mindfulness every day. It’s a work-out for the mind otherwise I’m all over the place.
Q. You were so honest with Louis Theroux on his Grounded podcast and it led to you being on TV more again. How do you feel about him now? “I think what a decent human being he is. I didn’t do that interview so I could get back on TV. But it was a sweet thing he did. And, really, the man knows how to interview. So that’s fine: I can see the attraction now.”
Q. You made your name interviewing people, and doing it well. How do you feel about Donald Trump now? “Let’s not discuss it: it’s too upsetting.”
Q. Is there anyone you’d like to interview? “Not really. The people who I’d really like to speak too are vary of a camera. In politics now you couldn’t get to anybody or get any answers out of them, so what’s the point?”
Q. Do you watch much telly? “Only Netflix and Amazon. No terrestrial or news; too many weapons of mass distraction, it creates a sense of terror we don’t need. But Married At First Sight Australia is a masterpiece. I’ve got a fan group and won’t have anything said against it.”
Q. What’s your favourite book? “Too hard but A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry and Falling Upward by Richard Rorh are both brilliant.”
Q. Who would you choose as your dream parents, as obsessed to the parents you had? “Hmm. Maybe Barack and Michelle Obama? They’d be great”
Q. Would you have liked to have a sibling to help you feel less alone as a child? “It would have been nice but I’ll never know. You might want a brother or sister but what if they just spent their life beating you up?”
Q. If you had a magic wand what would you wish for? “That people would be less savage. But that’s not going to happen.”
Q. Do you enjoy being on tour? “I’m happier being on tour than doing anything else. I love being on trains, in a different hotel every night, and I love exploring the town I’m in and chatting to people after the show. I’m curious and I like to investigate each town. Coping with real life, that’s the tricky bit, but never touring.”
The Sheepdrove Piano Competition is one of the highlights of the glorious fortnight of world class in Newbury and the surrounding villages
Now in its 15th year, the annual Sheepdrove Piano Competition – held during Newbury Spring Festival – has been won by Misha Kaploukhii, a student from the Royal College of Music.
Born in 2002, Misha is an alumnus of the Moscow Gnessin College of Music. He is currently studying at the Royal College of Music and is an ABRSM award holder generously supported by the Eileen Rowe Trust, Keyboard Trust, Drake Calleja Trust and The Robert Turnbull Foundation, studying for a Bachelor of Music with Professor Ian Jones. He was thrilled to receive a full scholarship from the Royal College of Music for two years of postgraduate studies.
Image: Milly March
Misha has gained inspiration from lessons and masterclasses with musicians such as Claudio Martínez Mehner, Dmitri Bashkirov, Jerome Lowenthal, Konstantin Lifschitz and Dame Imogen Cooper. His performances with orchestras around the world include debuts in Cadogan Hall playing Rachmaninov’s First Concerto with YMSO and James Blair, Liszt’s Second Concerto with RCM Symphony Orchestra with Adrian Partington, and a very recent performance of Rachmaninov’s Fourth Concerto performed with the Albion Orchestra.
As a soloist he often performs across London in venues like St Mary’s Perivale, St James Piccadilly and Razumovsky Academy with a wide range of solo and chamber repertoire.
Misha’s recent prizes include RCM Concerto Competition, International Ettlingen Piano Competition, Sheepdrove Piano Competition and the Hopkinson Gold Medal at the Chappel Medal Competition.
The competition, which is open to current students at the UK’s eight major music colleges, does not charge an entry fee to participants and this year celebrated Chopin’s 150th anniversary. After a private first round with just the panel in attendance, the final happened before an audience on Sunday 19th May in the beautiful setting of Sheepdrove Eco Centre, in the rolling Lambourn hills.
Alongside the £3,000 prize money from the Kindersley Prize, Misha Kaploukhii also gave a recital at Newbury Corn Exchange, part of Newbury’s Spring Festival’s popular Young Artist Recital series. Misha also won the audience prize, of £250 (donated by an anonymous donor).
The second prize, of £1,500 (donated by the Greenham Trust), was won by Kasparas Mikuzis a student at the Royal Academy of Music.
The third prize, of £750 (donated by the Friends of Newbury Spring Festival), was won by Yuxuan Zhao, a student at the Royal Northern College of Music.
The fourth prize, of £500 (donated by an anonymous donor), was won by Max Artemenko a student a Trinity Laban Conservatoire.
The Robert Turnbull Piano Foundation winners are Angeliki Giannopoulou from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Xizong Chen from the Royal Northern College of Music.
Mark Eynon, Festival Director, said: “It has been an honour to host some of the best students from the UK’s conservatoires in such a beautiful space. As ever, we witnessed piano playing of incredible standard, and the judges felt that Misha’s performance was particularly impressive this year.
“We are proud to continue to policy of always providing travel, subsistence and accommodation expenses for all competitors, and all four finalists have left with a financial prize. I am forever grateful to the Sheepdrove Trust for their continued generous support for the competition as we celebrate its 15th year.””
An Officer and A Gentlemen will soar into New Theatre Oxford from Monday 27th May until Saturday 1st June. Director Nikolai Foster shares his thoughts.
An Officier and A Gentlemen: The Musical follows the hot-headed and determined naval candidate Zack Mayo (played by Richard Gere in the movie) who has a fiery, passionate relationship with factory worker Paula Pokrifki (Debra Winger on screen) before sweeping her off her feet in the soaringly romantic finale.
The film’s writer Douglas Day Stewart co-wrote the book with Sharleen Cooper Cohen for a musical which had a short run in Sydney in 2012, with original songs by Ken Hirsch and Robin Lerner. Now, Oxford audiences can look forward to a brand new, perhaps surprising, outing, directed by Nikolai Foster.
“I think a lot of people associate it with being cheesy ’80s romcom,” says Nikolai when asked about the stage version of the film… “There’s nothing wrong with a cheesy 80s romcom – and we offer some tasteful cheesy choices in our production – but audiences will be surprised by the depth of this story and how moving the show is. It is genuinely uplifting because we invest in the lives of these characters and care about them.
“Audiences will be surprised by the depth of this story”
“It delicately charts the lives and experiences of working class people in Pensacola, Florida. In some ways these appear to be ordinary and unremarkable lives but the characters created by writer Douglas Day Stewart (based on his own experiences) have remarkable stories to tell. When you throw a load of ’80s pop hits into this world, it truly is uplifting and sings in the way only a musical can. The songs in our show don’t propel the narrative forward but express something of the characters’ inner lives and emotions that they are unable to speak in their everyday lives. The music heightens the emotions.
“All of these characters are seeking some kind of escape, including from a factory which doesn’t allow women to move up the hierarchy. In our play Casey Seeger is the first woman in history to ‘get jets’ and Lynette believes her only escape from an abusive, alcohol-soaked home life is literally on the wings of a naval aviator.
“This is a completely new production, created by our incredible team at Curve. Alongside original screenwriter Douglas Day Stewart we have worked with his writing partner Sharleen Cooper Cohen and the team at Jamie Wilson Productions to take the film from screen to stage. It’s been an exhilarating ride for all of us – almost as exciting in taking off in a fighter jet!”
Six by Nico is the newest addition to the Westgate in Oxford. Liz Nicholls was lucky enough to be among the first to try it at the weekend
As the city of dreaming spires (with a wondrous view of them from the top of the Westgate) Oxford is known for its old-school charm.
But when a newcomer to the foodie scene creates a buzz, it’s a real thrill. And when that newcomer is an original foodie fanatic who has made his name in other, bigger, brasher cities before landing here, I’m sniffing about for titbits and tasters.
This is how I found myself absorbing the neon genius of an Irn Bru sorbet with a perfect ‘deep fried mars bar’ (actually a very classy chocolate pave & associated bits) in the intergalactic bonsai zen den at Six By Nico.
If you haven’t been to one of Nico Simeone’s restaurants (there are branches in Leeds, Belfast, London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester and his native Glasgow) the concept is magically enjoyable. For £50 a head you can sit back and relax while you’re served a six-course tasting menu (dietary requirements catered for if you’re that person) that changes every six weeks, drawing inspiration from a memory, place or idea. For an extra £39 you can enjoy an expertly matched wine with each course, which I highly recommend you do.
Now, you might hate a ‘tasting menu’. Weeny portions and a lack of imagination at other restaurants might have given them a bad name, but not here. Thanks to hard graft, his Italian heritage, a flawless service team and a real passion for food, Nico knows exactly what he’s doing. The first menu is ‘the Chippie’, a nostalgic chip shop-inspired half dozen.
This is no bodged assortment of battered bits, instead you’ll find the courses deconstructed and dreamed up as better variations. From the starter, a mindbending parmesan and tatty concoction with curry oil, through the mains including a ‘steak pie’ of meaty magic which arrives in a smoke-filled cloche for a theatrical flourish to that incredible pud, you’re taken on a journey. But, amid a stonking interior (top marks for the amazing banquettes and yellow leather scalloped sofas) the food manages to sing. It’s not fancy for the sake of itself, either, but the flavours and originality should, hopefully mean this place is here for many changing menus to come. Oxford is stony ground for people to take root (as I know, 12 years after landing here myself) so I hope the Westgate crowd take it to their hearts.
I can’t wait for the next one. And, take it from me, you won’t leave hungry or hammered but with a spring in your step.
Patek Philippe to host the inaugural London edition of the Rare Handcrafts Exhibition 2024 from Friday 7th to Sunday, 16th June
The Patek Philippe event offers the public a rare insider’s perspective into the art of Rare Handcrafts within the family-owned watchmaking company.
The exhibition will take place on the first floor of Bond Street House, 14 Clifford Street in London.
Open to the public with free admission, the exhibition celebrates Patek Philippe’s dedication to preserving rare handcrafts which have been used to decorate timepieces for more than four centuries.
Visitors will be able to explore 83 exhibits over 250sqm. The themed spaces, which include artisans practising their savoir-faire, will take guests on a journey of discover; techniques including enamelling, wood marquetry, guilloche and gemsetting. This is the manufacturer’s largest showcase of rare handcraft timepieces outside of Geneva. The exhibition is open to the public via pre booked ticket reservations on Patek Philippe.
The “Rare Handcrafts 2024” collection (a total of 83 pieces, comprising dome clocks and small dome clocks, table clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches) once again shines the spotlight on a vast range of artistic skills, whether centuries-old techniques (Grand Feu cloisonné enamel, miniature painting on enamel, grisaille enamel, flinqué enamel, paillonné enamel, champlevé enamel, hand engraving, hand-executed guilloché work, or gemsetting) or techniques that are innovating in horology, such as micro wood marquety and Longwy enamel on faience. And not forgetting the growing number of pieces adorned with what are known as “mixed techniques”, uniting, for example, cloisonné enamel and hand-executed guilloché, or hand-engraving and wood marquetry.
The “Rare Handcrafts 2024” collection is also extraordinarily rich in creativity, drawing on multiple sources of inspiration, with motifs ranging from traditional art forms to modern leisure activities, and with subjects inspired by the cultures and landscapes of every continent. These 82 pieces, with their ever-more original and astonishing decorations are presented to great effect in an elegant, specially devised decor divided into three areas.
The Rare Handcrafts Exhibition London 2024, Friday 7th to Sunday, 16th June.
Opening times: 10am until 6pm, Monday-Saturday. From 12pm until 5pm, Sunday.
Address: 1st floor, Bond Street House, 14 Clifford Street, London, W1S 4JU.
Whether you’re looking for a show to see with your family or a side-splitting night of stand up, South Hill Park has you covered
The official start to summer at South Hill Park will be host to outdoor adventures, evenings of all kinds of music and newly invigorated theatre.
Join us for MJ The Legacy on Sat 1 June starring CJ, one of the world’s greatest Michael Jackson tribute artists, with his incredible live band and dancers. The look, the voice, the moves and all the hits.
On Sun 2 June, The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle is taking place on South Hill Park’s grounds. This funny, exciting family musical is performed with flair and wit by Illyria in the great outdoors.
From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Ed Byrne tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs on Wed 5 June in the Wilde Theatre.
Conservatoire International Concert Series welcomes back Yasmin Rowe on Fri 7 June. She will be offering a lovely programme of Debussy, Gershwin, Ravel and Henselt.
Apples in Winter – a powerful, challenging and compassionate play about justice, forgiveness and unconditional love. Set to mesmerise audiences of the Studio Theatre on Fri 7 June.
Prepare yourself for an evening of laughter with The Comedy Cellar every Friday at 8pm – the UK’s longest-running Comedy Club outside of London. This month’s stand-up will take place on Fri 7, Fri 14, Fri 21 & Fri 28 June. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, grab a refreshment from the bar and enjoy a hilarious show in the atmospheric Cellar Bar.
Festival of Food and Music 2024! Food, tribute acts and live music. Attractions include craft stalls, food market, outside bar, children’s activities and face-painting. This event is FREE to attend but our vendors will charge for their products and services.
Celebrating Céline, the ultimate Céline Dion tribute concert with an incredible full live band and starring the highly acclaimed vocalist, January Butler. Taking the stage in the Wilde Theatre on Wed 12 June.
On Wed 12 June in the Cellar Bar, we welcome Man Made Soul; an experienced six-piece band specialising in soul, Northern Soul and R’n’B from the 60s and 70s.
Bracknell Jazz this month is placing the spotlight on the Adam Dyer Quartet featuring Duncan Eagles, a saxophonist described by JazzWise as “Fast becoming one of the most exciting players emerging on the UK jazz scene.”
A Celebration of 40 Years – The Wilde Theatre on Fri 14 June. Join founding director Peter Stark, former director Gavin Henderson CBE and guests for an evening of nostalgia in celebration of the Wilde’s Theatre’s 40th anniversary. Discover how it all began from its conception, design and construction, to its opening (by Princess Anne), first performance and growing success.
Join us in the Studio Theatre on Tue 18 – Sat 22 June for a neon adaptation of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night from Studio Theatre Productions. Follow the laughable adventures of an eccentric cast of characters as they navigate the complexities of love and identity in a small coastal town.
A Night of Blues ‘n’ Boogie on Thu 20 June. A wonderfully varied and entertaining night of blues. Three great acts showcasing the superb talents of Joe Mac New Orleans solo piano, the formidable acoustic American roots and blues duo Stompin’ Dave and Earl Jackson and the ever-popular contemporary electric blues of Zoe Schwarz Blue Commotion.
A particularly welcome return of Ji Liu to the International Concert Series who gave our very first Conservatoire concert 11 years ago. He returns, Fri 21 June, with a varied programme of Schubert (his speciality), Rzewski’s Cotton Mill Blues and the Piano Sonata (2019) by leading American composer, Philip Glass.
This month’s Wilde Sundays present Jess Tuthill + Mayor of Dorkshire + Bryony Heart on Sun 23 June. Get ready for hilarious original songs and personal takes on powerful pop, all blended into an afternoon of acoustic tunes.
The students of Artemis College present Our House: The Madness Musical on Thu 27 – Sat 29 June. This Olivier Award-winning musical by Tim Firth is a high-energy fun love story featuring the hits of Madness.
Back by popular demand, it’s a drag queen and international cabaret legend, Fonda Cox in the Cellar Bar on Thu 27 June. With a career that has spanned three decades, Fonda Cox is a larger-than-life performer who has left a trail of glitter across the stages of Europe.
Conservatoire International Concert Series’ third session of the month brings pianist Yehuda Inbar on Fri 28 June. He performs a beautifully chosen programme that includes music by Mozart, Schumann (his Scenes from Childhood), Debussy and concludes with Schubert’s masterly Sonata in A minor.
Book a tour of South Hill Parts Art Centre and explore behind the scenes of the mansion and theatre. You will be able to visit different rooms and venue spaces whilst learning about the history of the Arts Centre and some exciting upcoming performances. This month the tours are at 12pm & 2pm on Sun 16 June.
Don’t forget to check out the South Hill Park cinema and enjoy screenings of the latest releases, family-friendly films, live/recorded performances and more. Why not make a day of it by enjoying a dinner before a show in the Atrium Bar & Restaurant?
You can book tickets to our shows, events, and screenings at South Hill Park.
